Guerra shapes as likely replacement

Asked to confirm speculation Guerra would replace Thaiday for Origin I, Morris said: "He is certainly in the mix."

Guerra had been set to be named 18th man but may yet replace Thaiday in the starting back row against New South Wales in Origin I.

However, Taylor looks set to be overlooked again despite capping an impressive month-long lead-up with a 159m effort for a depleted Titans in Friday night's 22-8 loss to Brisbane.

"He is playing pretty well, he is certainly in discussions," Morris said.

"He is not far away if he doesn't make this one."

Taylor looks set to be overshadowed by the likes of New Zealand Warriors forward Jacob Lillyman in what looms as an 18-strong Queensland squad to be named on Monday night.

Despite Taylor's form, Meninga looks set to stay true with out-of-sorts incumbents Chris McQueen of South Sydney and Canberra's Josh Papalii who notched 121m in Sunday's loss to Penrith.

Morris said Manly half-back Daly Cherry-Evans would also remain on the bench despite his "amazing" NRL form.

Just like he did in the recent trans-Tasman Test, Cherry-Evans has been asked to bide his time behind Melbourne number seven Cooper Cronk.

Whoever wears the number seven will relish linking with pivot Johnathan Thurston who put on another masterclass to inspire the Cowboys' 42-10 weekend win over the Roosters, a fitting reward in his 200th game for North Queensland.

"We are fortunate to have three of the best halves in the comp," Morris said.